Who is the Tooth Fairy
August 21, 2018Which Toothpaste is a Waste?
September 12, 2018We have all heard it. “Brush twice a day for sure, maybe even three times if you can, and also after every meal if you have time”.
But what if life happens, and dishes happen, and maybe a big meal. Your eyelids get heavy reading your kids their bedtime story and all you want to do is go to bed. The LAST thing you are thinking about it brushing your teeth. So you’re asking, what could go wrong if I don’t brush this once?
Everyone’s mouth is full of bacteria, and when you brush your teeth twice a day you keep that bacteria in check. When you skip brushing all together or skip once, the bacteria can build up and create chaos in your mouth.
Skipping in the Evening
When you skip brushing in the evening, you are leaving food particles on your teeth and they are a buffet for bacteria. When you are sleeping you also don’t produce as much saliva which rinses some of the food particles out of your mouth. With an abundance of bacteria you run the risk of contracting gum disease.1
Skipping in the Morning
So we know skipping brushing at night can lead to potential gum disease, and a buildup of plaque. But, what if we skip in the morning? The coffee smells too good, the kids are running late and you pushed snooze one too many times. Or maybe you’re thinking that you brushed and flossed diligently last night so no problem skipping this morning.
Not exactly true. Same goes for not brushing in the evening, you produce less saliva which causes less remineralization, you swallow less, move your tongue less and don’t eat while you sleep. This is the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply and form plaque and demineralize your teeth.1
If you can, brush your teeth in the morning and before bed to avoid gum disease, build up of plaque and not to mention bad breath. Skipping every now and then isn’t going to be the end of the word but make sure you make brushing a priority.
If you would like to schedule a teeth cleaning and exam contact us.
1Here’s What Happens When You Skip Brushing Your Teeth. 2018. Rifkin Dental. https://www.rifkindental.com/blog/what-happens-stop-brushing-teeth